VCI-300 Bags Compared

With controllers getting larger these days it can be a challenge to find a quality bag that protects and transports your precious dj gear. The VCI-300 in particular is very popular, but fits very few bags due to its large size. Fortunately several manufactures have been coming out with bags targeted at the midi-controller crowd so there are now several good options on the market. Lets take a look at the field and see which ones hold more promise for the young controllerists out there.

UDG MIDI-CONTROLLER BAG

While UDG wont win any awards for creative naming- they do get it right with this straight forward and stylish shoulder bag. The Midi Controller bag is a brand new creation from the respected UDG brand that specifically targets VCI-300 users.

Very Cool:

Its small and very portable

the style is pro and understated

good quality construction

Not So:

There is small bit of space around the controller so its not a tight fit.

The padding is sufficient for general use but wont take any hard core traveling or falls

Price: Around $120-160 depending on size (and store).

The Magma Bag

This is the other bag on the market aimed right at the VCI-300 crowd. It offers significantly more padding than the UDG version and fits the 300 like a glove. Besides a lack of compartments our biggest complaint was the low end luggage look this bag has- it just does not look very “dj-esque” and would seem more at home with a traveling executive.

Very Cool:

Tight fit on the controller

padded handle

generous padding is almost road case grade

Not So:

Generic Luggage look

heavy and fairly bulky to carry on the shoulder

lack of specialized pockets and compartments

Price: Around $120

Other Options

These bags are not built for the 300 but they will fit it and should also be considered.

I use what is called a pilot-case.
It holds my vci, my laptop and all other crap I carry with me.

http://soundcloud.com/djhazardnyc DJ Hazard

Hey Everyone. I ran into this problem with my VCI-300. My perfect solution has been the Dell M1730 XPS Backpack. You can see pics of it here: http://www.notebookforums.com/thread212003.html Anyway, it has 4 separate compartments. 1 that i suppose is for the big laptop, but it securely holds the VCI in place. There is plenty of other pockets for headphones, wires, the laptop, extension cords, and anything else you may need. I found it onsale for like $50 but i believe they typically run around $100. No longer on dell’s website but with some quick searching you should be able to find it.

http://www.jarrellentertainment.com DJ Ray

The Headliner bag is the best I have found so far. Not perfect though. It is not the laptop and midi controller that is the problem; it is all the other stuff we have to bring along. Sound card, cords, externals, etc. and the Headliner has a few of those extra pockets. But I want it all. Where is a cell phone pocket. I need a place for a pen. Key hook? Yes there is a big pocket for headphones and a sound card, but what about the external HD and the backup external HD? Everything ends up getting thrown together. Where is the bag that brings together design and protection together as one? Very frustrating. Especially if one is traveling a lot to spin at events. I am still looking. Neither of these come close. Thank you for the article DJTT. You guys rock!

Jesse

I use this. I can fit all my stuff, and its well padded. NOT TO mention only 32 dollars

Right now Audio Midi has the Big Namba for $115. It’s normally never cheaper than $129. Lili Namba is $99 on sale. They both have great padding and plenty of room for headphones, wires, laptop, sound card…….Carrying all this with a backpack is much easier I think rather than a shoulder bag.

not sure if you can get the brand ‘Crumpler’ in the states, but they make a mean bag for this sort of thing. With amazing designs and lifetime warranties.

Also quite expensive though.

Anonymous

go to a thrift store for the best controller bags..(leather/old school)…

Anonymous

190$ on a bag? … better be filled with something medicinal…

ss714ss

^^ will

ss714ss

hmmm well it fit a xponent ??

RT31784

I use the pelican case 1520 and just cut the foam to fit the VCI. I have about 5 extra of these cases if anyone is interested. PM or E-mail me.

JesC

Can I have the non hipster knobs and faders for my vcm-100?

http://DJMaddMax.com Max

what about room for headphones, wires, sound cards, etc?

DJ Fitty

Been using a small/medium military back pack, it fits the vci-300, macbook and all my other stuff. I dont carry my vci-300 in it at the moment because I dont have a deck savor, but as soon as i get one it will be included.

They fit my xponent well and vci’s are a bit smaller, so they should work.

You can pick them up at most sporting goods shops like cabelas.

http://www.djtechtools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5119 fleater

[quote comment="29986"]First! There is also the Pelican Case. Rigid, and super protective..and water tight! Check it out. If you look at the “post your gear mod pics” post in the forum, I have a picture of my pelican case setup.[/quote]
ANy chance you could post a link to this Pelican case product?

Nick

Does the UDG bag fit the VCI-100 also?

midifidler

Pelican cases are the win!
Problem is when you fly with them military types think your baggage is theirs

http://soundcloud.com/tos ToS

And your pelican case is beautifull!

RT31784

First! There is also the Pelican Case. Rigid, and super protective..and water tight! Check it out. If you look at the “post your gear mod pics” post in the forum, I have a picture of my pelican case setup.

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